EDMONTON, Alberta — The Florida Panthers are inching closer to consecutive Stanley Cup victories. Brad Marchand, a new addition to the team, was pivotal in their success once again, as he scored twice in the crucial Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers. Sam Bennett also contributed significantly, netting his 15th goal in the playoffs, leading the Panthers to a 5-2 victory and a 3-2 lead in the series.
The Panthers have demonstrated remarkable prowess on the road this season, matching an NHL milestone with ten away victories during the playoffs. They return to their home rink in Sunrise with an opportunity to clinch the Stanley Cup if they secure a win in Game 6 on Tuesday night.
“It was very solid game, definitely,” said Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers’ goaltender. “But the series continues, and we are excited about the next game. It’s going to be a big game.”
Unlike earlier matches in the finals, Florida managed to secure a substantial lead and sustain it. Bobrovsky was a key factor, stopping 19 of 21 shots and supported by a defense that effectively neutralized the Oilers’ attacks. The offensive charge was led by Marchand, Bennett, and Sam Reinhart. Marchand’s remarkable performance placed him alongside Mario Lemieux as the only players in recent decades to score five or more goals in finals multiple times. His career tally of 13 goals in finals is unmatched among active players.
“I’m just enjoying every moment,” expressed Marchand, experiencing his fourth finals. “It’s such a special group of guys, and I’m having so much fun here right now. I honestly feel like a young guy in the league again, just excited to be part of the group.”
The Oilers’ Connor McDavid managed to score, marking his first goal of the series after the Oilers were trailing by three. However, Reinhart quickly restored the Panthers’ lead just seconds later, and by the time Corey Perry managed another goal, it was too late to shift the momentum.
In the closing moments, Eetu Luostarinen scored an empty-net goal, effectively ending any chance for an Oilers comeback and quieting the previously enthusiastic crowd.
“We just got to play our game earlier,” commented Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, reflecting on the team’s performance. “We can all agree in our room that we can be better.”
The Oilers’ power play struggled, going 0-for-3, a testament to the Panthers’ strong penalty-killing efforts that disrupted McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Oilers’ top unit.
Calvin Pickard, who had remained undefeated in eight starts this spring, surrendered four goals on 18 shots. Despite his perfect record leading into this game, Pickard’s success streak ended, leaving room for Stuart Skinner’s potential return for Game 6 as the Panthers aim to conclude the series after another long trip.
“We’ve been pretty good at bouncing back all playoffs,” Marchand said regarding the team’s resilience. “We learned a pretty good lesson there last game, and thought we did a much better job in this one.”
With a place in history on the line, the Panthers’ return to Sunrise might mark the celebration of their second Stanley Cup if they can replicate their dominant play from Game 5.